DTF Printing vs UV DTF Printing: Which to Choose?
Principle of Operation
DTF Print:
The pattern is printed on the PET transfer film, and then the pattern is transferred to the fabric surface through the steps of spraying hot powder, drying and hot pressing.
UV DTF Print:
Using UV ink to print directly on a special AB film, after curing the ink by UV, the pattern is transferred to a hard material or an irregular surface.
Applicable Materials
DTF Print:
Mainly used for soft fabric materials, such as T-shirts, sweaters, pillows, aprons, etc.
UV DTF Print:
Suitable for hard materials, such as glass, metal, acrylic, ceramics, plastics, etc., especially for curved or irregular objects, such as mugs, mobile phone cases, suitcases, etc.
Consumables and Equipment
DTF Print:
DTF transfer film, hot melt powder, water-based ink, printer, powder shaker and hot press are needed.
UV DTF Print:
Using UV ink and AB film (A film is used for printing, and B film is used for protection and transfer), the equipment comes with UV curing lamp, and no additional hot press is needed.
Advantages and Disadvantages
DTF Print:
Advantages: It is suitable for all kinds of fabrics, without pretreatment and with low cost.
Disadvantages: It is not suitable for hard materials, and the pattern has poor air permeability.
UV DTF Print:
Advantages: Suitable for hard and irregular surfaces, with strong durability and three-dimensional patterns.
Disadvantages: The equipment cost is high, and UV ink has a certain impact on the environment and human body.
Application Scenario
DTF Print:
Mainly used in clothing customization, home textiles, cultural shirts and other fields.
UV DTF Print:
Widely used in gift customization, advertising signs, packaging decoration and other fields.
Printing Effect
DTF Print:
The colorful pattern is suitable for complex patterns and details, but it has certain influence on the air permeability of the fabric.
UV DTF Print:
The pattern has good wear resistance and durability, and is suitable for hard materials, but the edge clarity of the pattern is slightly lower than that of direct printing.
Image Source: Internet